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Leslie Science and Nature Center
1831 Traver Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, United States
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Na
Review №1

Theres a wide open area to let pets run around and plenty of things for small children to see. The trails are well maintained and very pretty.

B.
Review №2

This place was great. I took my kids, and they had a great time! Theres so much to do, even if the actual science center is closed (we got there right at closing). We decided to go on the nature trail, and was surprised to see the bird enclosure, my kids loved the eagle! The trail starts off as a rabbit trail, then spreads out to a beaten path...if youre a jogger, this path is great! It offers some pretty intense inclines! Also the black pond is pretty cool. The pond is actually black, it looks pretty cool! Id definitely suggest going here, even if youre just looking to go on a solo stroll.

Ni
Review №3

Free (donations welcome) walkable zoo-esque facility with great birds to observe. There are benches to relax, trails to walk, a critter house (with somewhat off and on hours. Call ahead), and its close to downtown AA for food and other activities. But the birds... So amazing. My son knows the eagle personally. The owls, falcons, vultures, theyre all amazing to see so close. Each enclosure has a little info plaque. They employ teenagers in various programs, which is really cool. Also be sure to visit the garden and look for all the like details and hidden Easter eggs. Highly recommended for kids off all ages.

Em
Review №4

Great loop of trails to walk and make sure to check out the birds of prey!

Jo
Review №5

Buildings are closed due to rona but still a nice side trip to see raptors

Mi
Review №6

Great sanctuary for raptors and other animals. Leslie has a friendly staff who take great care of the animals. Its really a wonderful place to visit.

Ta
Review №7

Open on Sunday, with a very kid-friendly and intelligent staff member there to answer questions about their creatures. Loved how close the birds of prey feel to you when you walk by their cages. Great experience overall.

As
Review №8

If youre looking for a local mini adventure, this place is pretty cool. There are quite a few trails to walk, and couple of cool buildings to check out. They have a community garden you can walk through, a Energy building, critter house, and an area where you can view rescued birds. Overall, I really enjoyed the experience.

Fi
Review №9

Loved the raptor enclosures, got to meet some great feathery friends :))) sadly couldn’t see the critters due to renovations but will come again next roadtrip for the full experience

Ka
Review №10

Insanity. Anywhere that I can go on whim, pay no admission fee, and come within 18 inches of a live bald eagle the size of a labrador is a winner in my book.

Je
Review №11

We love visiting the Leslie Science and Nature Center. You can visit the birds or go on a hike even if they are closed. They also have fun programs for the kids.

Al
Review №12

A really nice place for a walk and the raptors were awesome to see

Me
Review №13

Nice trails... Cool birds too look at... They even have an EAGLE! Amazing...

Co
Review №14

This place is so cool! free parking and admission. nature paths, forest paths, pond, chickens, vegetable garden, compost garden, science center, event space AND the fabulous bird of prey. It’s like a free mini-zoo right in the neighborhood. Great all year round for adults and kids too!

Te
Review №15

Great place for a kids birthday party. Very knowledgeable and friendly staff

Go
Review №16

It was wonderful to see several types of owls, a falcon, and a bald eagle. There were other wonderful birds inclufing one that was shy and wanted not to be looked at. I didnt take pictures, but was told it would have been fine to do so. I want to go back when the weather is warmer and just sit near the owls for a long time.

Te
Review №17

The center has free parking. Admission is free but there is a donation box at the main building if you would like to support the center. The staff is friendly and helpful. The center is a wide spread preserve with topical buildings scattered about. The highlight for me was the raptor center with about a dozen birds including a bald eagle, a peregrine falcon, and more. There is a small gift shop in the main building.

Ta
Review №18

Had a birthday party for my kids turning 9 & 11. By far the most affordable per guest rate for kids parties around, and Id rather have my money go to a science center than mere entertainment. The kids had a blast, and the staff made everything so smooth and easy. We definitely plan to do it again next year, and hope to visit between now and then!

Ni
Review №19

Very cool family adventure spot. The birds are magnificent. The only complaints Ive had is there are no bathrooms open at times and the creature house is seemingly never open (specifically during their posted times). But the trails, garden, and birds more than make up for it. Please visit and donate!

Br
Review №20

Quiet peaceful place at the time of day I went. Small place but its free and educational to boot. Consider giving a donation, though!

Vi
Review №21

I’ve been coming to Leslie for about 15 years. I love hiking with my dogs here and visiting black pond. Visiting the raptors is really fun too. Summer camps and educational programs here are wonderful. There are also some really cool community gardens.

Ka
Review №22

I had no idea this place existed! Fantastic trails, no admission, and you can see the animals up close and personal. They are huge birds! I do believe several of them are kept in cages that are too small, like the bald eagle and the turkey vulture. Will definitely consider donating. I am excited to go back!

Er
Review №23

National campout night, amazing fun, activities, guided hikes, & smores

Sr
Review №24

Visited for Spring Eggstravaganza event with kids. Its a great learning experience of birds and other animals. Nice place for nature trails.

Ch
Review №25

This nature center is a wonderful place to visit and bring children. The grounds are lovely with knowledgeable, friendly staff. We brought our daughter for a 1 day camp to learn about salamanders and got to see a type we have never seen before in person. There is a nice variety of rescued animals.

Ke
Review №26

First time here to check out the nature center for a rental for an event were having there,was delightfully surprised to see the rapture enclosures of beautiful wild rehabilitated birds. We also took a nice hike on the trails. Looking forward to going back soon.

Al
Review №27

Some of the staff say ignorant stuff about your dog but otherwise great.Edit and updated to 5 stars review:I wrote my original quick review with a 4 star rating, and now am happy to update with a 5 star review.LSNCs Executive Director reached out to me and replied with a sincere and heartfelt reply that proves to me that my interaction was the exception that proves the rule. Apology accepted, and honestly not really needed -- perhaps I was feeling a bit prickly that morning.

Ad
Review №28

Our visit was on Earth Day 2018. Very nice park with live animals to view. Plenty of large area birds. Parking was an issue.

Ma
Review №29

Great place to learn about different animals. The staff is great with kids. They have a nice variety of creatures, from a bald eagle to a snapping turtle. Good place for an educational hike with the kids too.

ha
Review №30

Great place to take the family but make sure to check the times that the raptors are being fed and when the critter house closes.

Jo
Review №31

A beautiful place to go for a hike, meet a few birds of prey, or have a kids birthday party (there were three going on the day we visited, they did not interfere with hiking at all). A great way to spend an afternoon!

Em
Review №32

This is a park for a half day visit. I love the rapture enclosure. Its a well kept park and have lot of activities for kids age 3 up. Check the webpage! The open area is suitable for picnics and gatherings. No real restrooms just port a potty.

Ba
Review №33

Nice place to stop by. It was too hot the day we stopped but we will go back.

Wo
Review №34

Awesome place. Love it. Good place to teach children (and adults!) more about nature!

Ch
Review №35

Went here for cub scouts. Has nice trails and some beautiful birds. The kids had a great time.

Ji
Review №36

What a great place to take your kids. Nature trails, injured raptors and owls being cared for, a critter house with turtles and salamanders... Come spend an hour or four.

Ma
Review №37

So great to have such hiking trails in unspoiled nature this close to downtown!

Ni
Review №38

Cute little area to enjoy young and old

he
Review №39

They do a great job with age appropriate activities for birthdays. I do wish the animals had larger enclosures. Some seem crowded

Sa
Review №40

They have owls and bald eagles that you can look at. And since its a public park, you can go anytime. In the summer, they also have bonfires for rent. Beautiful.

Ma
Review №41

I love our first visit here. I love raptors and it is so clean. Well be back for sure

Pu
Review №42

Nice place to walk around in the middle of Ann arbor. Trails are nicely marked. Not too many people and quiet.

Va
Review №43

Baldy and the horned owls still soldiering on over a decade after I did a few hours in fund raising for LSC. A treat for the kids.

Ri
Review №44

This is a cozy tucked away place and the perfect spot for a kid whos interested in birds of prey to come see some up close and outdoors (no admission required!)

Me
Review №45

Amazing discoveries, guided tours, various programs, open to visit everyday - best place ever for children and adults!

Jo
Review №46

Very cool place. Never been before and they really offer a lot of variety. Kids and adults will learn something here. Will have to take the kids again.

Cr
Review №47

Well run, hands-on camp experience for kids - an educational, fun time. The staff really knows their stuff and imparts a love of nature to the kids. Cool animals, too.

Ki
Review №48

I love the birds of prey in the enclosure. Great hiking trails. And a bonus....the black pond with lots of amphibians.

Ma
Review №49

Wonderful place to spend meaningful time with family and/or friends. Peaceful and educational.

Mi
Review №50

Their camping overnight for scouts was perfect for helping our Junior troop learn the basics of careful fire starting, night hiking, and shelter building.

33
Review №51

Local nature center with trails and a raptor rescue center that is open to the public most days. Friendly and knowledgeable staff as well.

Aa
Review №52

Great place to take kids interested in nature, especially birds, since they have a raptor sanctuary.

Li
Review №53

Great programs for kids. We take our grandkids to their preschool activities. Staff are knowledgeable and good with kids teaching them to appreciate nature and the outdoors.

Ja
Review №54

I love everything about this place, except that the critter house is only open Sundays. But hey just gotta plan ahead

Da
Review №55

Always a great place to take kids.

Ca
Review №56

Great place but trails are not well marked.

Gr
Review №57

My children had a great experience with their research on insects. We will go back!

Ex
Review №58

Its an amazing treasure! We love the hiking trails, the facilities for meetings, and how close to us...right here within the city limits of Ann Arbor!

Je
Review №59

Unique nature center with raptor enclosures. Very summer camp feel.

Yi
Review №60

I like the trail, not too long for my toddler and nice nature feeling. #rainyday

Da
Review №61

Great place for the kids. The staff is super helpful, and is knowledgeable about the critters in residence.

Ry
Review №62

Story time involved lots of activities for the kids including painting, learning about the seasons, and a nature trail.

Da
Review №63

Pay better attention to the hours than I did. Open does not necessarily mean open.

Da
Review №64

Nice trails. Birds are really cool. Most things closed when its not the weekend.

Br
Review №65

Fun, educational; stuff you cant get anywhere else.

Ti
Review №66

Went to an evening owl presentation, it was great!

EL
Review №67

Grate Place To Learn About Wildlife And Birds Ect.

An
Review №68

Awesome amount of birds of prey. Great staff. Worth it for kids parties.

Mo
Review №69

Very Irresponsible customer service!!!!!I have no comments about the quality of place.We went to meet the admin on scheduled appointment and there was NO one at the office!!! We saw few people working in nearby building, who saw us, looked at us, but simply REFUSED to address us! We knocked on the door and they just ignored us. Who does that?

Ka
Review №70

This place is amazing. Nature and you. The trail in the woods is a special walk.

KJ
Review №71

This is a great place to learn about wildlife and wildlife rehabilitation and enjoy nature.

Bi
Review №72

Go on Sunday afternoon to see the indoor animals or stop by to see the birds outdoor. The story times and tiny tots walks are good too.

Aa
Review №73

Beautiful place to walk your dog and or bring kids to run and play.

Ra
Review №74

A great place to spend a little time getting to know some owls, hawks and even a bald eagle.

Ju
Review №75

Cool outdoor bird of prey rescue here, birds were happy, healthy, cute, and social. Trails are surprsingly rugged and some unique terrain to explore on the Black Pond loop.

Ca
Review №76

Great place for kids and family to learn about nature and our planet.

An
Review №77

Love taking my children here and the educational programs they offer are affordable and great.

El
Review №78

Love the trails and the face my toddler makes when he sees the great horned owl!

Am
Review №79

Went here for a preschool field trip. The kids loved it and the staff was great!

Ch
Review №80

Great trails around and the little Kestrel is so cute and friendly!

Jo
Review №81

Peregrine falcon and bald eagles are awesome!

Ga
Review №82

Beautiful nature center! Friendly staff!

Ma
Review №83

Earth day is a fantastic event at Leslie with food trucks, demos, parades.

Ch
Review №84

Nice hiking trail behind the center.

Ce
Review №85

We will give it another go a little later. Wasnt much to do here when we went.

Jo
Review №86

Trails are not stroller conducive but very nice place!

Ma
Review №87

Good play to explore new things with kids

Je
Review №88

Small place, but very nice to visit on an afternoon with kids.

Di
Review №89

Beautiful trails and scenery

Pa
Review №90

Hidden Gem in Ann Arbor

Ch
Review №91

Wonderful natural areas to explore.

Pe
Review №92

Great trails, many animals to see, family friendly environment.

Na
Review №93

BEAUTIFUL. We need more spaces like this.

Ey
Review №94

One of my best places on earth.

He
Review №95

A great place, which great birds and critters, and paths.

di
Review №96

Great nature park love the animals

Ni
Review №97

Great walking trails and the birds are amazing!

Mi
Review №98

Great nature and beautiful animals

Br
Review №99

Great for the kids

Ro
Review №100

It is small but my daughter loved it

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.7 Rating
  • Address:1831 Traver Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, United States
  • Site:http://lesliesnc.org/
  • Phone:+1 734-997-1553
Categories
  • Tourist attraction
  • Education center
  • Environmental organization
  • Nature preserve
  • Park
Working hours
  • Monday:8am–4pm
  • Tuesday:8am–4pm
  • Wednesday:8am–4pm
  • Thursday:8am–4pm
  • Friday:Closed
  • Saturday:Closed
  • Sunday:8am–4pm
Highlights
  • Women-led:Yes
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible car park:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance:Yes
Amenities
  • Good for kids:Yes
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